Monday, October 31, 2011
Vote No City Video
Watch a short 30 second video about the Vote on November 8th. This spot is running on several cable channels including Fox and Hallmark. Most people think TV time is very expensive, but that's not true. This commercial was made and all the ad spots purchased for less than $2000.
Still Undecided? Nine Things to Consider
1) Your Taxes will definitely be higher. Based on the feasibility study, that we are now supposed to ignore, the average homeowner in Peachtree Corners will pay several hundred dollars in additional taxes and fees for goods and services we already pay for and receive from the county.
2) Your Trash Hauler's rate from the city likely wont be any less than you are paying now, since the YES side anounced they have no idea if they can get it cheaper or not.
3) No one can Annex your property unless you have 2 agreeing parties. This is Georgia Law. If Norcross wanted to annex Peachtree Corners, they would have done it back in the 80'-90's when this area's technology boom was happening.
4) Code enforcement will be outsourced to a company that compensates their employees on a commission basis. If modeled after the other surrounding cities, it will be a primary source of revenue for the new city, and a nightmare to all residents. Ask some friends in John's Creek and Berkeley Lake.
5) Property values will still be based on economic conditions. Until the economy improves we will not see a change.
6) No one on the Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee stands to gain anything financial, The other side cannot say that. The proposed salaries have already gone up and we haven't even gone to the polls yet. What will happen if they are elected?
7) The Charter allows the new city to impose additional taxes, assesments, and other fees, without going to a vote to the taxpayers. It's all in the Charter and feasibility study (that they want you to ignore).
8) Our community leaders definition of "self determination" is for their own self, not yours. As Thomas Jefferson warned, "It is the nature of government to grow." Before the election, they talk of "self determination" after the election it will be "selfish determination".
9) Voting "NO" is not only an option, it's a right. It's your choice, it's your right. Exercise your right.
Posted By: Louie
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Planning and Zoning: Hidden Agenda or Collateral Damage?
Recently, Walmart tried to push through zoning for a new store (average per store sales of $50 Million per year) to be located on Holcomb Bridge Road between RT 141 and Jimmy Carter in Peachtree Corners. The Gwinnett planning board disagreed and rather than fight Gwinnett County in court, Walmart shelved their plans. Gwinnett County has deep pockets and can last a long time in court and such a court fight may bring undue attention to other Walmarts in the County.
The new City of Peachtree Corners is only initially set up for zoning issues and trash collection with a typical budget of $3 Million per year derived 2/3 through property taxes. This is not deep pockets. Do you think that Walmart will try again through this new City? In such a case, the legal fees fighting such a zoning may well exceed the entire City budget, and since zoning will be within the purview of the new City, Gwinnett County may not expend funds to fight such a zoning request. It is not likely, with City lite, that the new managers would have the desire or resources to embark on such a fight. It bears looking into.
While there are many reasons [given] for a new City, follow the money.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Self-Determination - What it Means in Peachtree Corners
Over the last few months the Peachtree Corners YES committee has held numerous town hall meetings in an attempt to sell the residents of PC on the idea of a city. As the public became more informed on the topic, resistance to the idea increased and many of the ‘selling points’ were discredited. Even Mike Mason admitted at an UPCCA meeting Monday night (10/24) that we shouldn’t pay any attention to the feasibility study, he doesn’t know if we can save any money on trash or not and said that if you read the charter you will need a lawyer because it is hard to understand due to all the legalese. “Sorta” sounds like the Peachtree Corners version of ‘we have to pass the bill to find out what’s in it’, doesn’t it? So, Mason said, they have now come down to one issue: self-determination.
So what is self-determination and how does it apply to us here in Peachtree Corners? Webster’s defines self- determination as:
1. Free choice of one’s own acts or states without external compulsion, and
2. Determination by the people of a territorial unit of their own future political status.
Sounds like a great idea! Who can argue with that? After all, in the 1770’s the colonists wanted self-determination and to be out from under King George’s thumb. On TV the other night, Wayne Knox repeated the party line, saying that “the people who live in Peachtree Corners deserve the right to determine their own future and not have that future determined by politicians that we do not elect.” I don’t know what part of Peachtree Corners Mr. Knox lives in, but in my part we get to vote for a county commissioner and a commission chairman, as well as judges, PSC commissioners, school board members, sheriff, a district attorney and others who have a direct and indirect influence over our lives every day. The essence of their argument is that we in PC only get to vote for one commissioner out of 4 serving a county of 800,000 people and thus are subject to the whims of the other three. By their logic, perhaps we should consider becoming our own state- after all we only get to elect one state representative out of 180 and one state senator out of 54 representing a population of almost 9.7 million Georgians.
The reality is that if the new city does only the three services the Charter and YES organizers promise (zoning, code enforcement and trash), then those are the only areas where PC would have anything resembling self-determination. A trash plan mandated by the city and charged on your property taxes is the same thing we already have. Code enforcement contracted out to a for-profit company that works on commissions is arguably worse than what we already have. That leaves zoning and most of the property in Peachtree Corners is already developed according to existing zoning. All the other services PC receives (fire, police, schools, parks, roads, libraries, etc.). will continue to be provided by the county, and we will still only have that dreaded one voice of 4 for 800,000 people on those issues.
Does all this sound like enough self-determination to warrant higher taxes and fees on you and your family and taking the other downside risks of another government body?
Posted By: The Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee
Monday, October 24, 2011
Political Signs and Free Speech
The issue of political signage has been in the news a lot lately. Last weekend Covington, Ga. mayoral candidate Bobby Sigman was arrested for stealing his opponents signs. Last Monday night, dozens of NO CITY signs in the Peachtree Corners area were damaged, destroyed or stolen. While some were along roadways, most were in peoples yards tucked safely within subdivisions. Following a tv news report on the situation, some supporters of the YES side ridiculously suggested that the NO folks had destroyed their own signs in a crass attempt to gain publicity. That they even think in such devious terms should give pause to the voters of Peachtree Corners, about those who wish to lead the new city.
This past weekend, several large NO CITY signs were installed around the area. Less than 24 hours later, two of the $65 signs lay shredded. One was along Peachtree Corners Circle near Peachtree Station, the other was on Medlock Bridge Rd in a residents front yard with his permission. The YES signs just feet away were unharmed.
Unfortunately, word comes to us today that over the weekend a number of YES signs were damaged in at least one neighborhood. We will not belittle ourselves trying to claim that YES supporters damaged their own signs in a crass attempt to gain publicity for their failing campaign. Rather, the Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee would like to be on record as condemning any and all damage, destruction and theft of signs, be they YES or NO in content.
The mission of the PCBC has been to make residents aware of the upcoming vote on cityhood, and make sure they get the necessary information to make an informed choice at the ballot box. We are winning the ‘war of ideas’ in this campaign. We do not need to try to suppress the other side’s opinions. On the contrary, the more the residents learn about the ramifications of this vote, the more likely they are to oppose it. Remember, if the NO side wins this election, none of the PCBC stands to gain anything financially or politically. The organizers of the YES side can not make that claim in the event their side wins.
The residents of Peachtree Corners have the right to express their political beliefs without fear that some hoodlum will trespass on their land and damage or steal their property. If you see somebody messing with a sign of either side, report them to the police. Take a picture with your cellphone if you can. As a community we can put a stop to this foolishness.
Posted By: The Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee
This past weekend, several large NO CITY signs were installed around the area. Less than 24 hours later, two of the $65 signs lay shredded. One was along Peachtree Corners Circle near Peachtree Station, the other was on Medlock Bridge Rd in a residents front yard with his permission. The YES signs just feet away were unharmed.
Unfortunately, word comes to us today that over the weekend a number of YES signs were damaged in at least one neighborhood. We will not belittle ourselves trying to claim that YES supporters damaged their own signs in a crass attempt to gain publicity for their failing campaign. Rather, the Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee would like to be on record as condemning any and all damage, destruction and theft of signs, be they YES or NO in content.
The mission of the PCBC has been to make residents aware of the upcoming vote on cityhood, and make sure they get the necessary information to make an informed choice at the ballot box. We are winning the ‘war of ideas’ in this campaign. We do not need to try to suppress the other side’s opinions. On the contrary, the more the residents learn about the ramifications of this vote, the more likely they are to oppose it. Remember, if the NO side wins this election, none of the PCBC stands to gain anything financially or politically. The organizers of the YES side can not make that claim in the event their side wins.
The residents of Peachtree Corners have the right to express their political beliefs without fear that some hoodlum will trespass on their land and damage or steal their property. If you see somebody messing with a sign of either side, report them to the police. Take a picture with your cellphone if you can. As a community we can put a stop to this foolishness.
Posted By: The Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee
Sunday, October 23, 2011
12 Myths and 3 Facts About the New City of Peachtree Corners
In discussing the pros and cons of Peachtree Corners becoming a city, residents have given many reasons for and against becoming an incorporated city. But how many of these are not valid reasons for becoming a city?
Myth #1. “We will have more police protection.” - Not true. Fire and police protection will remain the responsibility of Gwinnett County, as they always have. Unless residents vote later to take responsibility for police protection, and vote themselves taxes 5 to 6 or more times the projected city rate of 1.0 mills, this will not change.
Myth #2. “We can have Peachtree Corners as a mailing address.”- If you live in 30092, you can do that now. In fact the post office is in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.
Myth 3. “I will vote for it because of the schools and the kids.” - Becoming a city has nothing to do with schools or children. Gwinnett County will continue to provide public education, as they do in every city except Buford which has always had its own school system.
Myth #4. “More sidewalks.” - Not true. Roads and sidewalks will continue to be handled by Gwinnett County.
Myth #5. “It will keep the taxes down.” - Not true. Taxes will be raised not only for property taxes, but ad valorem on cars as well, plus franchise fees and a 2% tax on power bills, which we do not have now.
Myth #6. “It will keep out development and businesses we don’t want.” - This is nebulous and debatable. Zoning in place cannot change and current county zoning is totally adequate.
Myth #7.“It will raise our home values.” - Pure speculation. The economy, the home itself and location determine home prices.
Myth #8. “Voting No is no option. - Of course it is.
Myth #9. “Peachtree Corners will disappear if we are not a city.” - Of course not.
Myth #10. “Vacant buildings will fill up.” - Really. How would this happen?
Myth #11. “We will be annexed into Norcross.” - Not unless a majority of residents vote to do this.
Myth #12. “We will get away from Gwinnett County.” - Not true. Gwinnett County will continue to provide all services except planning and zoning, trash collection and code enforcement. County taxes will not go down.
Now, let’s look at the facts.
Fact #1. “Taxes will go up.” - VoteYes supporters admit this. City taxes are zero now and can be raised. The tax on power bills is zero now - it will go to 2%. Franchise and business license fees can and will be raised. Ad valorem taxes on vehicles will be raised.
Fact #2. “Another layer of government will be added.” - What is another layer of government if not a mayor, city council and dozens of city employees.
Fact # 3. “We don’t need a city.” - We don’t need a city because Gwinnett County performs all the services the new city would perform, with no increase in taxes.
Become an informed voter. Read the facts, and ignore the myths.
Posted By - The Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee
Friday, October 21, 2011
AJC Piece on the Proposed City of Peachtree Corners
On October 19th, an Op Ed piece on the new city was published by the AJC. Here is an excerpt:
“Shall the Act incorporating the City of Peachtree Corners in Gwinnett County according to the charter contained in the Act be approved?” The “act” in question is Georgia House Bill 396, a compilation of nearly 35 pages of legalese otherwise known as “the charter.”
What this really means is that you aren’t just voting on the innocuous-sounding idea of a “limited-services” city; you are voting on the charter, a document which lays the groundwork for the formation of a full-fledged taxing, spending and regulating city.
Read the full article
Posted By: Ali
“Shall the Act incorporating the City of Peachtree Corners in Gwinnett County according to the charter contained in the Act be approved?” The “act” in question is Georgia House Bill 396, a compilation of nearly 35 pages of legalese otherwise known as “the charter.”
What this really means is that you aren’t just voting on the innocuous-sounding idea of a “limited-services” city; you are voting on the charter, a document which lays the groundwork for the formation of a full-fledged taxing, spending and regulating city.
Read the full article
Posted By: Ali
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
29 Reasons City-lite is Not the Right Label for the Proposed City of Peachtree Corners
The proposed City of Peachtree Corners is billed as a “City-lite”. The City will focus on 3 services: planning and zoning, code enforcement and solid waste disposal. This seems pretty limited on the surface, but a quick read of the Charter shows that these services are really a very small part of the story. Section 1.12 of the Charter lists the following “services” or “powers” the new government would provide the citizenry of Peachtree Corners:
1. Animal regulations...
2. Appropriations and expenditures. To make appropriations … to authorize the expenditure of money for any purposes authorized by this charter and for any purpose for which a municipality is authorized by the laws of the State of Georgia…
3. Building regulation. To regulate and to license the erection and construction of buildings and all other structures; to adopt building, housing, plumbing, electrical, gas, and heating and air-conditioning codes; and to regulate all housing and building trades...
4. Contracts. To enter into contracts and agreements with other governmental entities and with private persons, firms, and corporations...
5. Emergencies. To establish procedures for determining and proclaiming that an emergency situation exists within or outside the city and to make and carry out all reasonable provisions deemed necessary…
6. Environmental protection. To protect and preserve the natural resources, environment, and vital areas of the state through the preservation and improvement …
7. Fire regulations. To fix and establish fire limits and from time to time to extend, enlarge, or restrict the same…
8. General health, safety, and welfare. To define, regulate, and prohibit any act, practice, conduct, or use of property which is detrimental…
9. Gifts. To accept or refuse gifts, donations, bequests, or grants from any source for any purpose related to powers and duties of the city…
10. Health and sanitation. To prescribe standards of health and sanitation and to provide for the enforcement of such standards…
11. Jail sentences. To provide that persons given jail sentences in the municipal court may work out such sentences in any public works or on the streets, roads, drains, and other public property in the city; to provide for commitment of such persons to any jail; or to provide for commitment of such persons to any county work camp or county jail by agreement with the appropriate county officials…
12. Municipal agencies and delegation of power. To create, alter, or abolish departments, boards, offices, commissions, and agencies of the city and to confer upon such agencies the necessary and appropriate authority for carrying out all the powers conferred upon or delegated to the same…
13. Municipal debts. To appropriate and borrow money for the payment of debts of the city and to issue bonds for the purpose of raising revenue to carry out any project, program, or venture…
14. Municipal property ownership. To acquire, dispose of, lease, and hold in trust or otherwise any real, personal, or mixed property…
15. Municipal property protection. To provide for the preservation and protection of property and equipment of the city and the administration…
16. Nuisance. To define a nuisance and provide for its abatement whether on public or private property…
17. Penalties. To provide penalties for violation of any ordinances…
18. Planning and zoning. To provide comprehensive city planning for development by zoning; and to provide subdivision regulation and the like as the city council deems necessary…
19. Public hazards removal. To provide for the destruction and removal of any building or other structure…
20. Public improvements. To provide for the acquisition, construction, building, operation, and maintenance of parks and playgrounds, public grounds, recreational facilities, public buildings, and charitable, cultural, educational, recreational, conservation, and sport institutions, agencies, and facilities; and to regulate the use of public improvements…
21. Public utilities and services. To grant franchises or make contracts for or impose taxes on public utilities and public service companies and to prescribe the rates, fares, regulations…
22. Regulation of roadside areas. To prohibit or regulate and control the erection, removal, and maintenance of signs, billboards, trees, shrubs, fences, buildings, and any and all other structures…
23. Retirement. To provide and maintain a retirement plan for officers and employees of the city…
24. Roadways. To grant franchises and rights of way throughout the streets and roads and over the bridges and viaducts…
25. Special areas of public regulation. To regulate or prohibit junk dealers, pawn shops, the manufacture, sale, or transportation of any intoxicating liquors, alcoholic beverages, and the use of firearms; to regulate the transportation, storage, and use of combustible, explosive, and inflammable materials, the use of lighting and heating equipment, and any other business or situation…
26. Special assessments. To levy and provide for the collection of special assessments to cover the costs for any public improvements…
27. Taxes: ad valorem. To levy and provide for the assessment, valuation, revaluation, and collection of taxes on all property…
28. Taxes: other. To levy and collect such other taxes as may be allowed now or in the future by law…
29. Taxicabs. To regulate and license vehicles operated for hire…
All of these "services" and "powers" require employees, offices, computers, networks, switchboards, transportation, maintenance equipment, maintenance employees, code enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, benefits, human resources, payroll, accounting, collections, contracts managers, etc. etc. etc.
Ask yourself how long one mil will pay the bills on all this? How much debt will the new city incur in start up costs alone? How long will a mayor of the largest city in Gwinnett with all this responsibility work for $9,000 a year?
Posted by: Ali
1. Animal regulations...
2. Appropriations and expenditures. To make appropriations … to authorize the expenditure of money for any purposes authorized by this charter and for any purpose for which a municipality is authorized by the laws of the State of Georgia…
3. Building regulation. To regulate and to license the erection and construction of buildings and all other structures; to adopt building, housing, plumbing, electrical, gas, and heating and air-conditioning codes; and to regulate all housing and building trades...
4. Contracts. To enter into contracts and agreements with other governmental entities and with private persons, firms, and corporations...
5. Emergencies. To establish procedures for determining and proclaiming that an emergency situation exists within or outside the city and to make and carry out all reasonable provisions deemed necessary…
6. Environmental protection. To protect and preserve the natural resources, environment, and vital areas of the state through the preservation and improvement …
7. Fire regulations. To fix and establish fire limits and from time to time to extend, enlarge, or restrict the same…
8. General health, safety, and welfare. To define, regulate, and prohibit any act, practice, conduct, or use of property which is detrimental…
9. Gifts. To accept or refuse gifts, donations, bequests, or grants from any source for any purpose related to powers and duties of the city…
10. Health and sanitation. To prescribe standards of health and sanitation and to provide for the enforcement of such standards…
11. Jail sentences. To provide that persons given jail sentences in the municipal court may work out such sentences in any public works or on the streets, roads, drains, and other public property in the city; to provide for commitment of such persons to any jail; or to provide for commitment of such persons to any county work camp or county jail by agreement with the appropriate county officials…
12. Municipal agencies and delegation of power. To create, alter, or abolish departments, boards, offices, commissions, and agencies of the city and to confer upon such agencies the necessary and appropriate authority for carrying out all the powers conferred upon or delegated to the same…
13. Municipal debts. To appropriate and borrow money for the payment of debts of the city and to issue bonds for the purpose of raising revenue to carry out any project, program, or venture…
14. Municipal property ownership. To acquire, dispose of, lease, and hold in trust or otherwise any real, personal, or mixed property…
15. Municipal property protection. To provide for the preservation and protection of property and equipment of the city and the administration…
16. Nuisance. To define a nuisance and provide for its abatement whether on public or private property…
17. Penalties. To provide penalties for violation of any ordinances…
18. Planning and zoning. To provide comprehensive city planning for development by zoning; and to provide subdivision regulation and the like as the city council deems necessary…
19. Public hazards removal. To provide for the destruction and removal of any building or other structure…
20. Public improvements. To provide for the acquisition, construction, building, operation, and maintenance of parks and playgrounds, public grounds, recreational facilities, public buildings, and charitable, cultural, educational, recreational, conservation, and sport institutions, agencies, and facilities; and to regulate the use of public improvements…
21. Public utilities and services. To grant franchises or make contracts for or impose taxes on public utilities and public service companies and to prescribe the rates, fares, regulations…
22. Regulation of roadside areas. To prohibit or regulate and control the erection, removal, and maintenance of signs, billboards, trees, shrubs, fences, buildings, and any and all other structures…
23. Retirement. To provide and maintain a retirement plan for officers and employees of the city…
24. Roadways. To grant franchises and rights of way throughout the streets and roads and over the bridges and viaducts…
25. Special areas of public regulation. To regulate or prohibit junk dealers, pawn shops, the manufacture, sale, or transportation of any intoxicating liquors, alcoholic beverages, and the use of firearms; to regulate the transportation, storage, and use of combustible, explosive, and inflammable materials, the use of lighting and heating equipment, and any other business or situation…
26. Special assessments. To levy and provide for the collection of special assessments to cover the costs for any public improvements…
27. Taxes: ad valorem. To levy and provide for the assessment, valuation, revaluation, and collection of taxes on all property…
28. Taxes: other. To levy and collect such other taxes as may be allowed now or in the future by law…
29. Taxicabs. To regulate and license vehicles operated for hire…
All of these "services" and "powers" require employees, offices, computers, networks, switchboards, transportation, maintenance equipment, maintenance employees, code enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, benefits, human resources, payroll, accounting, collections, contracts managers, etc. etc. etc.
Ask yourself how long one mil will pay the bills on all this? How much debt will the new city incur in start up costs alone? How long will a mayor of the largest city in Gwinnett with all this responsibility work for $9,000 a year?
Posted by: Ali
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Five Reasons Business Owners Should Vote No City
1. Occupation and Business Taxes - The city council by ordinance shall have the power to levy such occupation or business taxes… (Charter section 6.12)
2. Licenses, Permits, and Fees - The city council by ordinance shall have the power to require businesses or practitioners doing business in this city to obtain a permit for such activity from the city and pay a regulatory fee for such permit… (Charter Section 6.13)
3. Franchises (AKA Utility Taxes) - The city council shall have the power to grant franchises for the use of this city's streets and alleys for the purposes of railroads, street railways, telephone companies, electric companies, electric membership corporations, cable television and other telecommunications companies, gas companies, transportation companies, and other similar organizations. (Charter Section 6.14)
4. Service Charges - The city council by ordinance shall have the power to assess and collect fees, charges, and tolls for services provided or made available within and outside the corporate limits of the city… (Charter Section 6.15)
5.Other Taxes (AKA catch-all the taxes you can) - This city shall be empowered to levy any other tax or fee allowed now or hereafter by law… (Charter Section 6.17)
All of these taxes, fees, licenses, and charges are ways for the new city to fund any shortfalls that a low one mil property tax does not fund. Business owners can expect to pay higher fees and be nickel-n-dimed to death by “enforcers” out to fill the city coffer. We have already seen several businesses petition Norcross for annexation to avoid coming under a new city hostile to business.
Posted By: Ali
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
If We Are a City, Won't the Value of My Home Increase?
In today's economic environment this statement holds no water. Your values are going to be based on what someone is willing to pay for your home. It's all a matter of supply and demand. One other thing to mention is location. In real estate we use the terminology location, location, location. In some instances, having a home inside the city limits will be a deterrent. I look to my friends who live in John's Creek, who are now wishing they were still unincorporated Fulton County.
The vote is on November the 8th. The other item on the ballot the SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) It is a one cent sales tax that goes directly to the schools. Invest in good schools. Good schools will support your home values.
Posted By: Louie
What Are the Ramifications if the New City is Sued?
Well I know we will not be able to look to the county for help. I would assume that any additional legal matters are our responsibility. Our friends in Lilburn city, just settled a lawsuit and it cost the city millions. Guess what? We, in the county, are not paying their legal fees. Interestingly, last night at the Town Hall meeting, conducted by our "Self Proclaimed Mayor", he mentioned Lilburn is cutting down its services because they found out it costs less to have the County provide them than the city. Been saying that all along.. So why are we voting on this again? Also, and I hate to reference John's Creek but, John's Creek is in a legal battle with a business owner and it's still not settled. Maybe this is why the police dept is doing their share of bringing in revenue.
Posted By: Louie
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